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Austria: The Danube

Passau to Vienna Cycling

Trip code: C10PA

Average customer rating 4.8 / 5(30 verified reviews)

Self-Guided Cycling
10 nights hotel-to-hotel
Steady
Flights available
CO₂ rating 1/5
Agent supplied app

Trip highlights

Gentle cycling on dedicated cycle
paths alongside the Danube, one of the
most beautiful rivers in Europe

Hilltop castles, Baroque palaces, historic
abbeys, ornate monasteries

Sunflower fields, vineyards, peach and
apricot orchards

Masses of culture: art galleries, Roman
remains, 23,000-year-old sculptures

Eclectic mix of hotels from 15th century convents
to riverfront mansions

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Trip details

The route from Passau, on Germany’s eastern border, to Vienna is one of the most
popular cycle paths in Europe, and it’s no wonder! This stretch of the Danube carves
its way through a thousand years of history; 60 dramatic castles and palaces lie
along the river and the ever-changing landscape is a kaleidoscope of fertile plains,
narrow gorges, lowland forests, bird-rich marshland and acres of picturesque vines.

What's included

Included

  • 10 nights in 3-star and 4-star accommodation
  • All breakfasts
  • Bike fitting and briefing at the start of your holiday
  • Navigation app
  • Bike hire included
  • Luggage transfers between hotels
  • Ferry ticket at Schlögen (including bike)

Not included

  • Flights
  • Local taxes/fees
  • Travel insurance

Your bike

Hand-picked for the route, hire included

KTM, Custom Made or equivalent. Your bike hire is included in the price of your holiday and comes equipped with the relevant essentials, plus rear pannier and handlebar bag.

Travel options

Flights and rail

Our air-rail prices include standard flights, onward rail and station transfers.

Itinerary

Route map, with each night's stop marked
The full route, night by night. Select the map to view it full screen.

Day 1 · —Arrive in Passau

Arrive in Passau

Arrive at your riverfront hotel and then enjoy dinner in the heart of the old town tonight.

You stay at Hotel Residenz

Hotel Residenz Passau

Hotel Residenz

Passau

  • American Express
  • Hairdryers
  • Mastercard
  • Minibar
  • Other email access
  • Safe
  • Tea & coffee
  • Television
  • Wifi access

The Hotel Residenz is on the waterfront in Passau facing the Danube River. The Hotel is a renovated merchant’s house and is over 400 years old, although today you would never guess as it has been decorated in an attractive contemporary style, while keeping some original features like the barrel vaulted ceilings and tile floors.

There is a guest lounge and library for relaxing in as well as an outdoor breakfast terrace, from where you can watch the Danube passenger boats come and go by the dock below you.

Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used.

Day 2 · 40km/24.9miPassau to Schlogen

Passau to Schlogen

Pedal east into Austria and Engelhartszell, home to Austria’s only Trappist monastery and an excellent pit stop for traditional coffee and cake! Follow the River Danube past lush hillsides cloaked with oak woods to the Schlogener Loop, where a short ferry ride across the river takes you to your 4* hotel. Relax in the pool before dinner on the terrace watching passenger boats, sparkling with fairy lights, cruise past.

Elevation

Passau to Schlogen elevation profile

You stay at Hotel Donauschlinge

Accommodation dining at hotel nearby lake.

Hotel Donauschlinge

Schlogen-Haibach

  • American Express
  • Hairdryers
  • Mastercard
  • Minibar
  • Other email access
  • Safe
  • Swimming pool
  • Tea & coffee
  • Television

The Hotel Donauschlinge and the Gugler Family have cornered the market on this stretch of the River Danube and have become a favourite pit stop on the way between Passau and Vienna for almost every cyclist making the trip.

The Schlogen meander bend is a famous landmark on the river and this attractive waterfront hotel is perched right on the corner with wonderful panoramic views, especially from the hotel’s terrace.

Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used.

Day 3 · 46km/28.6mi or 54km/33.6miSchlogen to Linz

Schlogen to Linz

Spot kingfishers in the Donauschlinge Nature Reserve and stop to enjoy the views at the picnic tables that dot the river before you reach Aschach’s pretty waterfront. Continue through reed marshes to the market town of Ottensheim, overlooked by its striking 12th century castle. There’s the option to shorten the ride here by hopping on the train, or continue your ride to the historic Upper Austrian capital of Linz, with its wide choice of cosy pubs and eateries.

Elevation

Schlogen to Linz elevation profile

You stay at Hotel Wolfinger

Hotel Wolfinger Linz

Hotel Wolfinger

Linz

  • American Express
  • Hairdryers
  • Mastercard
  • Other email access
  • Tea & coffee
  • Television

In the centre of Linz’s spectacular town square the Wolfinger Hotel blends in perfectly. From the outside it looks like a townhouse with its grand facade and historical charm. Inside the design is very curious.

The building used to be a convent in the old days, and it has now been tastefully converted into a cosy and quirky city centre hotel. The public rooms include a lounge and reception area where you can access the internet, and a lovely breakfast room overlooking the Hauptplatz outside. There decor is equally as grand, with antique furniture, carved chairs and cabinets overhung by chandeliers.

The bedrooms are decorated in the same style, although some rooms have been given a more modern feel with smart new wooden flooring and Persian style rugs. All have phones, satellite TV and hairdryers.

Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used.

Day 4 · 60km/37.3miLinz to Ardagger

Linz to Ardagger

The route leads you away from the Danube to 12th Century Enns, Austria’s oldest city, before returning to the Danube and an onward ride to the beautiful little village of Ardagger.

Elevation

Linz to Ardagger elevation profile

You stay at Landgasthof Winter

Landgasthof Winter

Landgasthof Winter

Ardagger

  • Air conditioning
  • Hairdryers
  • Mastercard
  • Minibar
  • Safe
  • Tea & coffee
  • Television
  • Visa cards
  • Wifi access

Located opposite the Stift Ardagger monastery, the 4-star Landgasthof Winter dates back to the 13th century. This traditional country house has been carefully restored and comes with all the comforts you’d expect from a 4* hotel as well as 2 sunny terraces. The hotel also boasts a cosy restaurant, with brothers Pauli and Matthias cooking up classic local dishes.

Day 5 · 59km/36.7miArdagger to Melk

Ardagger to Melk

Explore the small baroque town of Grein, home to the oldest municipal theatre in Austria that is still in use today, before cycling through the fertile Danube Valley. The hilltop twin towers of Maria Taferl church soon appear above the Danube, and then Melk’s Benedictine monastery looms high before you as you pedal towards your welcoming family hotel in Melk.

Elevation

Ardagger to Melk elevation profile

You stay at Hotel Zur Post

Hotel Zur Post

Hotel Zur Post

Melk

  • American Express
  • Hairdryers
  • Mastercard
  • Other email access
  • Television

Offering captivating views of Melk Abbey, the four-star Hotel Zur Post stands proudly in the center of Melk. This charming hotel provides a sauna, complimentary Wi-Fi, and free bike rentals for guests to explore the scenic surroundings. Delight your taste buds with seasonal Austrian dishes made from local produce at the hotel’s restaurant, where traditional flavours are given a modern twist, showcasing the essence of the Wachau region. The hotel also features a wine cellar with an impressive collection and an ice cream parlour. With a focus on individual needs and a warm family atmosphere. Free parking adds to the convenience of your stay, making it a perfect base for your adventures in Melk.

Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used.

Day 6 · —At Melk

At Melk

Melk’s massive Benedictine monastery was rebuilt in 1683, and the interior abbey is as breathtaking as the countryside views from the rooftop terrace. For a day trip, cycle to Schloss Schallaburg (8km return), one of the finest Renaissance castles north of the Alps, where you can stroll in the magnificent rose gardens and enjoy acclaimed cultural exhibitions.

You stay at Hotel Zur Post

Hotel Zur Post

Hotel Zur Post

Melk

  • American Express
  • Hairdryers
  • Mastercard
  • Other email access
  • Television

Offering captivating views of Melk Abbey, the four-star Hotel Zur Post stands proudly in the center of Melk. This charming hotel provides a sauna, complimentary Wi-Fi, and free bike rentals for guests to explore the scenic surroundings. Delight your taste buds with seasonal Austrian dishes made from local produce at the hotel’s restaurant, where traditional flavours are given a modern twist, showcasing the essence of the Wachau region. The hotel also features a wine cellar with an impressive collection and an ice cream parlour. With a focus on individual needs and a warm family atmosphere. Free parking adds to the convenience of your stay, making it a perfect base for your adventures in Melk.

Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used.

Day 7 · 38km/23.6miMelk to Krems

Melk to Krems

Today you coast along the UNESCO Wachau Valley, a necklace of villages and vineyards, anchored by pretty churches along the north bank. Each is charming, especially Durnstein where Richard the Lionheart was held for ransom in the craggy hilltop castle. Admire the statuette, Venus of Willendorf, dating back to 23,000BC, before arriving in Krems for a splash in the pool and dinner on the terrace overlooking the valley.

Elevation

Melk to Krems elevation profile

You stay at The Steigenberger Hotel and Spa

Steigenberger Hotel Krems

The Steigenberger Hotel and Spa

Krems

  • American Express
  • Bank
  • Hairdryers
  • Mastercard
  • Minibar
  • Other email access
  • Safe
  • Shops
  • Swimming pool
  • Television

The Steigenberger in Krems is a real treat. Once you have negotiated the short, steep hill up to the front door you really can relax.

Apart from the many bedrooms, the hotel has one of the most luxurious spa facilities we have ever seen, with both an outdoor and an indoor pool.

The dining room is gorgeous, spilling out onto a panoramic terrace with views of the surrounding vineyards and over the spires of the old city of Krems.

Bedrooms are modern and beautifully presented with lots of wood and high quality fabrics so everything feels very luxurious.

Please note that twin rooms are not available at this hotel.

Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used.

Day 8 · —At Krems

At Krems

Krems has one of the most beautiful historic centres in Europe and is renowned as the capital of wine. Discover its wine museum, quirky caricature museum and its 13th century abbey that exhibits contemporary art. You can cycle out to Schloss Grafenegg (14km away), a gargoyle-encrusted Gothic castle set in 85 acres of parkland, or just relax in the fabulous hotel spa and pool.

You stay at The Steigenberger Hotel and Spa

Steigenberger Hotel Krems

The Steigenberger Hotel and Spa

Krems

  • American Express
  • Bank
  • Hairdryers
  • Mastercard
  • Minibar
  • Other email access
  • Safe
  • Shops
  • Swimming pool
  • Television

The Steigenberger in Krems is a real treat. Once you have negotiated the short, steep hill up to the front door you really can relax.

Apart from the many bedrooms, the hotel has one of the most luxurious spa facilities we have ever seen, with both an outdoor and an indoor pool.

The dining room is gorgeous, spilling out onto a panoramic terrace with views of the surrounding vineyards and over the spires of the old city of Krems.

Bedrooms are modern and beautifully presented with lots of wood and high quality fabrics so everything feels very luxurious.

Please note that twin rooms are not available at this hotel.

Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used.

Day 9 · 47km/29.2miKrems to Tulln

Krems to Tulln

Freewheel down river to Tulln, known as the ‘Town of Flowers’. Pop into the Roman museum, which is packed with artefacts, and dine out tonight amid the fountains, statues and ornate buildings that crowd the pretty centre.

Elevation

Krems to Tulln elevation profile

You stay at Hotel Nibelungenhof

Hotel Nibelungenhof exterior, Germany

Hotel Nibelungenhof

Tulln

  • American Express
  • Hairdryers
  • Mastercard
  • Other email access
  • Television

The pretty riverfront town of Tulln is your last stop before you reach Vienna. Originally a Roman settlement, the waterfront has been preserved as a series of attractive parks and gardens; the two storey hotel is slightly set back from the riverside.

Inside it is attractively decorated in a homely style, with the reception and lounge area decorated with a full wall of books either side of a central fireplace, with comfortable sofas to relax on.

The bedrooms are all individually decorated; most have wooden floors, repro antiques, satellite TV and hairdryers.

The hotel is just a short walk from the centre of Tulln, where there are several grand churches, museums and restaurants to explore.

Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used.

Day 10 · 40km/24.9miTulln to Vienna

Tulln to Vienna

It’s peaceful cycling today along the verdant northern banks of the Danube to Vienna, where you are greeted with gorgeous views of the city skyline. Time to explore Vienna’s lively centre, fascinating museum quarter and iconic opera house, which is breathtakingly floodlit at night!

Elevation

Tulln to Vienna elevation profile

You stay at Hotel Austria Classic

Hotel Austria Classic Vienna
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Hotel Austria Classic

Vienna

  • Air conditioning
  • American Express
  • ATM
  • Bank
  • Hairdryers
  • Mastercard
  • Minibar
  • Safe
  • Television
  • Visa cards

Overlooking the beautiful tree lined Praterstrasse, the Hotel Austria Classic has been welcoming guests since 1838; in keeping with its rich history, photos of old Vienna are displayed through the hotel. The famous Austrian composer, Max Steiner – whose work includes the music to the film ‘Casablanca’ – was actually born here! Today the hotel offers facilities including sauna, fitness room and bar, whilst there is a choice of restaurants a short walk from the hotel.

Day 11 · —Leave Vienna

Leave Vienna

Please note that cycling helmets are compulsory in Austria for all customers under 12 yrs. As we are unable to provide these, we strongly recommend that you bring your own.

Please see our Planning you holiday page for full details.

Extending your holiday

Exterior of the Hotel Opera, Munich

Hotel Opera

Munich

  • American Express
  • Diners Club
  • Hairdryers
  • Mastercard
  • Minibar
  • Other email access
  • Safe
  • Television
  • Wifi access

The Hotel Opera is situated in the Lehel district of Munich, the area has a village feel to it, but is just a 15 minute walk to the main centre of Munich and a 20 minute walk to the Englischer Garten, Munich’s huge leafy park.

The hotel has a wonderful Romanesque facade, and the building itself dates back to the 19th century, damaged in the war the building was bought in 1968 by the present owners who took 8 years to painstakingly restore and renovate the building.

Today’s hotel is a nice mix of modern and old, with lovely airy rooms and and a relaxing tranquil garden patio. Rooms have all mod cons and some come with balconies, the hotel also owns a couple of superb restaurants close by.

Breakfast is served at your table with a choice of cold meats and cheeses or croissants and fruit and the option to order freshly cooked eggs.

Please call for prices and details

What our travellers say

Good organisation, bikes excellent, hotels well chosen, guidance and maps very clear. Steady and easy cycling between 25 and 35 miles each day. We didn’t use the train but carried on cycling right into Vienna – magic. We really enjoyed our non-cycling days too, all in well-chosen places. A great holiday.

Mr Potter

Wonderful experience.We are both now in our 70s and wondered whether this was still for us.The Danube route is easy to follow and passes through ever changing scenery.The hotels were a great in themselves and we had some very good food..breakfast was always exceptional.The transfer of our luggage was exceptionally well handled

Mr Snodgrass

A lovely trip. Easy cycling, attractive scenery, good bikes and excellent accommodation. All this plus good weather and wonderful companionship made this my best-ever Headwater experience.

Mr Sinclair

We were very satisfied with the care and attention Headwater provided at every point of contact from booking through to during our holiday. As far as the trip experience we were somewhat disappointed with the route as many stretches were just an easy pleasant pedal but with not much to see or do along the way. It wasn’t until after Melk that the route charmed us all in all though headwater is great at creating just the right mix for an active holiday

Mrs Lazzarotto

From Passau to Vienna is an unforgettable experience. Impossibly beautiful countryside, vineyards and medieval villages are only some of the highlights you enjoy on level cycling paths and quiet streets. If history, art or music is your thing, there are also countless opportunities to indulge during stays at Linz, Milk and of course, Vienna. Our only question mark came at the end of the trip, when we felt that more time should have been scheduled in this incredible city and less time apportioned to Krems and Tullin.

Mrs Day

Enjoyable, comfortable rides easily achieve by two 70 year olds. Accommodation very good although food somewhat variable.

Mr Ryan

Varied, interesting holiday. Easy cycling, but bikes a little heavy and saddles not as comfortable as usual. You can catch an earlier train from Munich than the one stated on the ticket, although Headwater advised otherwise. We did check with a guard before travelling. All the breakfasts were great. Typical Austrian fare is a little heavy, especially the dumplings! An extra night in Passau meant that we could enjoy the organ music at midday and we thoroughly enjoyed our extra nights, two, in Vienna.

Mr Browne

Well organised and stress free holiday

Mr Whalley

On paper the distances seem a bit daunting but in reality lovely gentle cycling with some spectacular scenery.

Mrs Mccormick

An enjoyable holiday on really excellent cycle paths on both sides of the river for the most part. We had a bit of an problem transferring from Munich airport to the station as the main line was closed for part of it’s length and we had to detour onto another line and the description provided by Headwater for this transfer is minimal. The hotels were generally very good. The Steigenberger Hotel in Klems is having a large extension built which means the indoor pool and spar are out of action, have obviously been for a considerable time and are likely to be for some time. Given that the hotel is quite a walk from the town, is up a steep hill and the pool/spa are major features we would have preferred to have stayed in the alternative hotel used by Headwater, much closer to town. One point regarding the initial briefing, take pen and paper and make lots of notes as our agent, Martin was very informative but describes the whole trip and suggests alternative routes to that in the Headwater documents. We had forgotten what he had said before we reached many of the alternatives he suggested.

Mr Daking
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Positive impact

Carbon score for this trip

9.0

Kg CO₂e

per person, per night

Relative to other Headwater trips

We measure emissions from the parts of the holiday we organise — including accommodation, in-trip transport, meals and activities — and express them as CO₂e per person, per night. Our label doesn’t include your travel to and from the start of the trip. As a Certified B Corp, Headwater is committed to reducing this figure and to positively impacting local communities, the local environment and our staff. Learn more

From the journal

From£1,569per person